But Not Like Mine/Lift-A-Flap

ea. vol: illus. by Jeni Bassett. unpaged. CIP. Gulliver/HBJ. 1988. PLB $6.95. PreS Both of these titles strive to show the contrast between children and animals and both tend to fall short of success. But Not Like Mine compares children's body partshands, feet, hair, eyesto those of animals, and So Can I (the stronger of the two) compares human and animal locomotion. Each double-page spread features an animal, and when a flap is folded out, the child is also shown. The text in each book is flat and repetitive, and the endings are weak. The comparisons are often uneven (sometimes children need a device such as a jump rope or ladder to imitate an animal's movement, while other times they can do it on their own) or obscure (how is an owl's eyes, raccoon's hands, or lion's hair different from a child's). The illustrations are much more inviting than the text. Full-color watercolors that show cuddly cartoon-like children and animals will draw children to these books. Yet, the need for adult help in explaining many of the contrasts that are subtle and unclear in the illustrations will limit their use. LeSieg's Tooth Book (1981) and Eye Book (1968, both Random) are better choices to make clear the differences between animals and humans. Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, Wis.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The concepts of motion and anatomy are presented with charm and appeal in these small-size books with gatefold flaps. In So Can I, each spread shows an animal in motionswimming, swinging, hopping, hugging. Lifting the flap reveals a child performing the same activity. But Not Like Mine shows various parts of the body, first on an animal and then, beneath the flap, on a child. The books feature strong, uncluttered illustrations with a friendly look and feel; in both, the titles serve as refrains. The only significant flaw in the pair comes in But Not Like Mine. In this book, the refrain emphasizes differences between animal and child, while the situations portrayed in the illustrations actually highlight similarities: "An owl has eyes. But not like mine" shows both bird and child reading books. Ages 3-5.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.